Outage Map How-To

Outage Alerts Frequently Asked Questions

To enjoy all the benefits, text "REG" to AVISTA (284782). If we don't have record of your number, you'll be prompted to enter your account number. Once you're signed up, you'll receive proactive messages and can easily report or get status updates at any time.

How do I cancel outage alerts?

To cancel, text "STOP" or "CANCEL" to AVISTA (284782).

What commands can I use when I'm texting and what do they do?

STOP or CANCEL will cancel Avista outage alerts.
OUT will report your outage to Avista.
STAT will check your outage status.
HELP will provide texting assistance related to Avista outage alerts.
PAU will temporarily discontinue Avista outage alerts.
RES will resume paused Avista outage alerts.

Outage Map Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a way to see storms and weather patterns on the map?

Yes, you can see weather systems moving through Avista's service territory on the outage map by clicking the weather tab on the left-hand side of the screen and making sure the weather radar is turned on. Weather and outages often go hand-in-hand and outages will be more concentrated in the areas hardest hit by bad weather. Weather information is provided by WeatherBug.

Is the outage map in real-time? If not, how often does it update?

No, the outage map is not in real-time; however, it is updated every 10 minutes. During inclement weather, update times can vary depending on severity of storms.

What is the difference between "affected customers" and "served customers" in the summary tables?

In the summary table, the number of customer homes or businesses affected by a particular outage is listed as the "affected customers." "Served customers" refers to the number of customer homes and businesses that are served in each county or ZIP Code. You can see how widespread an outage is by comparing the two numbers.

What are the different ways I can view outage information?

For a list view, click the “Summary” tab on the left-hand side of the screen and select “View County” or “View ZIP Code”. For a map view, click the “Legend” tab on the left-hand side of the screen. You can then view outage data by county, zip, or location. If “View by Location” is selected, outages are represented by different icons depending upon the amount of Affected Customers. Clicking a specific icon will display more information and options. If “View by County” or “View by Zip” is selected, affected areas are represented by colored shading. Clicking a shaded area will display more information and options.

Does the map only list Avista outages?

Yes, the map only reflects Avista customer outages.

What happens when I search by ZIP Code or county?

When you search by ZIP Code or county, the map will center on the ZIP Code or county you entered.

How do I create a favorite or bookmark?

You can click the magnifying glass (search icon) and enter your address to search for a location. The map will automatically zoom to your area and place an icon at your address. Click this icon and click "Save to Bookmark".

Why can't I see any weather on the map?

In order to see weather on the map, you must first turn on the "Weather Radar" on the "Weather” tab on the left-hand side of the screen. If there is no weather impacting your area, you may need to zoom the map out to see approaching weather. To gauge the movement of any approaching weather, click the "Loop" button.

What information will I need to report an outage?

You can easily report an outage using your phone number or your account number and your ZIP Code on web, mobile, or text.

Is the outage map available from my smart phone?

Yes, the outage map is available on mobile devices such as iPhones, Android Phones, etc.

Why can't I see the map on my mobile device?

If you are having trouble viewing the outage map, or the map area is gray on your mobile device, please disable any ad-blocking applications.

Why don't I see my specific address/outage on the map?

The damage that resulted in an outage for one home may also be the cause for other homes as well. All these homes are rolled up into a single outage incident that appears as an icon on the map.

What do the shaded areas surrounding some of the outage icons on the map mean?

The shaded area indicates the approximate boundaries of a specific outage incident in that area. A primary distribution line may be down that is causing an outage for a large number of homes. The shaded area would cover the approximate boundaries for an area of homes affected by that incident.

The icon that corresponds with the shaded area has an estimated time of restoration (ETR), but there is another icon within that shaded area (closer to my address) that has no ETR. Why?

A single address or group of addresses may be part of more than one outage incident, such as a primary distribution line down, lateral lines down or individual service lines down. Each of these outage incidents may be indicated by separate icons on the map and have separate estimates for repair. As each incident is resolved, the power to more homes in that area is restored.

How can I quickly find my exact location on the map?

You can click the magnifying glass (search icon) and enter your street address. The map will automatically zoom to your area and place an icon at your address. To get specific outage status for your address, use the Check Status button at the top of the map and enter in your phone number or account number and zip code. You can also text STAT to AVISTA (284782) to receive a current status for your specific address.

I found my location on the map but it is just outside the shaded area that indicates an outage and my power is still out. Why?

The map can only be zoomed to the 500 foot level, and the shaded area indicates the approximate boundaries of the outage from that level of resolution. To get specific outage status for your address, use the Check Status button at the top of the map and enter in your phone number or account number and zip code. You can also text STAT to AVISTA (284782) to receive a current status for your specific address.

I'm zoomed in as far as i can go, but there is still a multicolored icon with a number in it. How do I see the status of the outages in that small area?

You can click on the multiple outage icon, then click on the arrow at the top of the information panel that opens to see the details for each outage associated with that icon. This allows you to click through multiple incidents.